Despite changes in safety standards, a new study found corded window blinds remain a deadly danger for kids across the United States.
The study, published in the medical journal Pediatrics, found between 1990 and 2015 almost 17,000 kids were hospitalized -- and almost 300 died -- from corded window blind injuries.
Two Mesa girls -- Nyah Mar and Brooke Baurlein -- were among those who passed away.
"It's a big problem," said Phoenix Fire Department Captain Rob McDade.
The cords look "like something they can play with," McDade told ABC15, but that children "don't possess that strength" to free themselves from the cords if they get entangled.
Across the Valley, McDade said firefighters respond to between 100 and 200 calls a year involving kids and ropes, cables and cords.
A spokesman for the Window Covering Manufacturers Association told the Associated Press a soon-to-be-adopted standard will make corded blinds unavailable in brick-and-mortar and online stores. They could still be purchased through custom orders.
RELATED ARTICLE: Valley-based window blind company Selectblinds.com goes 100% cordless
